Dishwasher and controlling method thereof

ABSTRACT

Disclosed a controlling method of a dishwasher comprising a washing tub defining a washing space in which one or more dishes are loaded and washed; a storage unit in which the dishes are loaded; an injection unit injecting wash water to the dishes; a sump provided in a lower portion of the washing tub; and a driving unit supplying and circulating the wash water stored in the sump to the injection unit, the controlling method for cleaning the washing space comprising: a water supply step for supplying wash water; a preliminary cleaning step for injecting the wash water to the storage unit without the dishes, the washing tub and the injection unit to clean the storage unit, the washing tub and the injection unit; a main cleaning step for injecting the wash water mixed with dishwashing detergent to the storage unit, the washing tub and the injection unit; a rinsing step for rinsing the storage unit, the washing tub and the injecting unit by injecting wash water; and a drying step for drying the storage unit, the washing tub and the injection unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0001168 filed on Jan. 5, 2016 in Korea, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a dishwasher, more particularly, to a dishwasher capable of washing and cleaning a washing space after the dishwasher is used for a long time, and a controlling method thereof.

Background of the Disclosure

Generally, a dishwasher is the mechanism configured to wash and dry one or more dishes held therein by injecting wash water to the dishes at a high pressure. Specifically, wash water is injected in a washing tub where dishes are held at a high pressure and the injected wash water washes and clean out food scraps or contaminants from surfaces of dishes.

Such a dishwasher is capable of filtering the food scraps contained in the wash water and reusing the used wash water. Also, the dishwasher has dishwashing detergent or liquid dissolved in the wash water to remove the food scraps smoothly and efficiently. The dishwashers capable of enhancing washing efficiency by raising the temperature of wash water or generating steam, using a heater, have been widely popular.

Such the conventional dishwasher includes a case defining an exterior appearance; a washing tub provided in the case and defining a washing space for dishes; a driving unit provided in a lower portion of the washing tub and supplying, collecting, circulating and draining washing water for washing the dishes; lower/upper/top injecting nozzles injecting the washing water supplied by the driving unit to dishes; and lower/upper/top storage racks extractable between the lower/upper/top injection units within the washing tub and selectively accommodating dishes according to kinds and sizes of dishes.

Hence, the user puts the dishwasher into operation and the driving unit is implemented to supply wash water to the upper/lower/top injection nozzles independently or simultaneously, to start the washing process for the dishes put in the lower/upper/top storage racks.

Diverse courses for washing dishes are provided in the conventional dishwasher in accordance with the related art. However, preset courses based on dish loading states of the storage units are not provided.

Diverse courses for washing dishes are provided in the conventional dishwasher in accordance with the related art. There are no auxiliary courses for washing components (in other words, the washing tube, the storage unit and the injection unit) of the washing space where dishes are washed. The conventional dishwasher has a disadvantage that the components of the washing space might be contaminated after the dishwasher is used for a long time period, which might give a user a unpleasant feeling.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to address the above-noted and other problems.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dishwasher capable of washing and cleaning a washing space where dishes are washed and components of the washing space, after the dishwasher is used for a relatively long time or after a preset use frequency of the dishwasher, and a controlling method thereof.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the embodiments, as embodied and broadly described herein, a controlling method of a dishwasher comprising a washing tub defining a washing space in which one or more dishes are loaded and washed; a storage unit in which the dishes are loaded; an injection unit injecting wash water to the dishes; a sump provided in a lower portion of the washing tub; and a driving unit supplying and circulating the wash water stored in the sump to the injection unit, the controlling method for cleaning the washing space comprises a water supply step for supplying wash water; a preliminary cleaning step for injecting the wash water to the storage unit without the dishes, the washing tub and the injection unit to clean the storage unit, the washing tub and the injection unit; a main cleaning step for injecting the wash water mixed with dishwashing detergent to the storage unit, the washing tub and the injection unit; a rinsing step for rinsing the storage unit, the washing tub and the injecting unit by injecting wash water; and a drying step for drying the storage unit, the washing tub and the injection unit.

The controlling method may further comprise a clean sensing step for counting the rinsing step, wherein the dishwasher performs a washing step, a rinsing step and a drying step for washing the dishes.

The clean sensing step may comprise a counting step for cumulatively counting the operation frequency of the rinsing step; a comparing step for comparing the cumulative counts with preset counts; and an alarm step for generating an alarm when the cumulative counts satisfy the preset counts.

The alarm step may turn on a cleaning alarm lamp of the dishwasher.

The cleaning alarm lamp may be turned off, when cleaning of the washing tub is complete after the alarm step.

The controlling method of the dishwasher may further comprise a contaminant removing step for supplying the wash water to the driving unit and draining the wash water without circulation of the wash water, after the preliminary cleaning step.

The controlling method of the dishwasher may further comprise a steam heating step for supplying steam into the washing tub and heating the washing tub, after the preliminary cleaning step.

The injection unit may comprise a top injection unit, an upper injection unit and a lower injection unit, and the main cleaning step may comprise a first main cleaning step for heating and injecting the wash water; and a second main cleaning step for injecting the wash water, using only the top injection unit.

The rinsing step may comprise a first rinsing step for injecting the wash water; a second rinsing step for heating and injecting the wash water; and a third rinsing step for injecting the wash water, using only the top injection unit.

The top injection unit, the upper injection unit and the lower injection unit may be sequentially operated at preset intervals.

The order from the longest duration time may be the top injection unit, the upper injection unit and the lower injection unit.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher comprise a washing tub defining a washing space in which one or more dishes are loaded; a storage unit detachably provided in the washing tub and loading the dishes therein; an injection unit injecting wash water to the dishes; a sump provided in a lower portion of the washing tub; a driving unit supplying and circulating the wash water stored in the sump to the injection unit; a control panel allowing a user to manipulate and control a dishwashing course and washing state; and a controller comparing cumulative counts of washing and rinsing steps for the dishes with preset counts and alarming a cleaning step for the washing space.

The control panel may comprise a manipulation unit comprising a cleaning button for allowing the user to manipulate the washing and cleaning of the washing space.

The control panel may comprise a cleaning alarm lamp displaying a cleaning preceding and cleaning completion for the washing tub.

The injection unit may comprise a top injection unit, an upper injection unit and a lower injection unit, and the driving unit simultaneously or selectively supplies wash water to the top, upper and lower injection units.

The driving unit may comprise a heating chamber supplied wash water from the sump and defining a predetermined space for heating the supplied wash water; a pumping chamber provided above the heating chamber and defining a predetermined space for pumping the wash water supplied to the heating chamber to the injection unit; and a heater assembly connected to a bottom surface of the heating chamber and forming the heating chamber and the lowermost surface of the driving unit simultaneously, the heater assembly comprising a heater heating the wash water stored in the heating chamber.

The heater may heat the wash water flowing into the heating chamber and generate high-temperature wash water or steam.

The embodiments have following advantageous effects. The dishwasher is capable of washing and cleaning a washing space where dishes are washed and components of the washing space after the dishwasher is used for a long time or a preset use frequency of the dishwasher, and a controlling method thereof. Accordingly, the dishwasher has an advantageous effect of keeping a clean state of the washing space and the components.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which are given by illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal structure of the dishwasher in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram illustrating a driving unit of the dishwasher in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating a heater assembly of the dishwasher in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a structure of the dishwasher in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating operation mode settings of the dishwasher in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a clean-timing sensing step of the dishwasher; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a washing step of the dishwasher.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the accompanying drawings, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

Use of such terminology herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the terminology itself is not intended to give any special meaning or function. In the present disclosure, that which is well-known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity.

Regardless of numeral references, the same or equivalent components may be provided with the same reference numbers and description thereof will not be repeated. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the sizes and profiles of the elements illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated or reduced and it should be understood that embodiments of a device or a controlling method presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings.

First of all, a dishwasher in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail, referring to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal structure of the dishwasher in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram illustrating a dishwasher in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating a heater assembly of the dishwasher in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a structure of the dishwasher in accordance with the present disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to a driving unit 160 capable of performing the function for moving wash water and the function for heating the wash water at the same time, and the apparatus including the driving unit 160. FIG. 1 illustrates one example of the dishwasher including the driving unit 160 in accordance with the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 100 may include a cabinet 110; a washing tub 120 provided in the cabinet and providing a washing space; an injection units 124, 126, and 126 injecting wash water to one or more washing objects; and a driving unit 160 for supplying wash water to the injection units 124, 125 and 126.

Storage units 121, 122 and 123 for storing washing objects therein may be provided in the washing tub 120. The storage units 121, 122 and 123 may include a top storage unit 123 provided adjacent to an inner top surface of the washing tub 120; an upper storage unit 121 provided in an upper portion of the washing tub 120; and a lower storage unit 122 provided in a lower portion of the washing tub 120.

The washing tub 120 is open by a door 112 coupled to one surface of the cabinet 110. After opening the washing tub 120, using the door 112, a user is able to take out the storage units 121, 122 and 123.

Meanwhile, an upper portion of an external surface of the door 112 may be provided a manipulation unit (114, see FIG. 4) for controlling the operation of the dishwasher; a display unit (115 see FIG. 4) displaying operational states of the dishwasher 100; and a control panel 113 connected with the display unit 115 and including a controller (190, see FIG. 4) controlling each of the components.

In this instance, the manipulation unit 114 may include a plurality of buttons (not shown) for allowing the user to select a plurality of washing courses. Moreover, the manipulation unit 114 may further include a cleaning button (114 a, see FIG. 4) for cleaning the dishwasher. The display unit 115 may include a plurality of lamps (not shown) showing operational states of the dishwasher. Moreover, the display unit 115 may include an upper/lower lamp 115 a showing that the upper or lower storage unit 112 or 121 is intensively washed according to the user's selection.

A drying module 116 is provided in an inner surface of the door 112 to exhaust the humid air of the dishes dried in the washing tub 120 outside the dishwasher 100, in communication with the washing tub 120. The drying module 116 includes a drying path 174 provided in the inner surface of the door 122 and connecting the washing tub 120 with an external space of the dishwasher; and a drying fan 118 provided on the drying path 117 and blowing the air along the drying path 117 toward the external space of the dishwasher 100.

Meanwhile, the controller 190 includes a counter unit 192 is complemented to wash the dishes according to the dishwashing course by controlling of the driving unit 160. The controller 190 includes a counter unit 192 counting and storing the dishwashing frequency and dishwashing time. The counter unit 192 stores the counts whenever a main washing step and a rinsing step are complete in the washing course and initiates the count as a cleaning step is complete which will be described later.

The controller 190 may set cumulative counts from initial installation of the dishwasher to be different from cumulative counts after initial performance of a cleaning step.

When the storage units 121, 122 and 123 include the top storage unit 123, the upper storage unit 121 and the lower storage unit 122, the injection units 124, 125, 126 may include a top injection unit 126 provided above the top storage unit 123 and injecting wash water to the top storage unit 123; an upper injection unit 124 provided between the top and upper storage units 123 and 121 and injecting wash water to the top and upper storage units 123 and 121; and a lower injection unit 125 provided under the lower storage unit 122 and injecting wash water to the lower storage unit 122. In this instance, the wash water injected to washing objects from the injections units 124, 125 and 126 (the wash water remaining in the washing tub 120) may be collected in the sump 130.

The sump 130 provided under the washing tub 120 serves as the means for storing wash water. The sump 130 is partitioned off from the washing tub 120 by a sump cover 135. The sump cover 135 has a water-collecting hole 136 allowing an internal space of the washing tub 120 to communicate with an internal space of the sump 13.

Meanwhile, the sump 130 is connected to a water supply source (not shown) via a water supply path 131. The water supply path 131 may be closable by a water supply valve 132 controlled by a controller (not shown). The wash water held in the sump 130 may be drained outside the dishwasher via a drainage path 133 and a drainage pump 134.

The wash water stored in the sump 130 is supplied to the injection units 124, 125 and 126 via the water supply paths 151, 152 and 153. The water supply paths 151, 152 and 153 includes a connection path 155 connected with the driving unit 160; a top water supply path 153 connecting the top injection unit 126 with the connection path 155; an upper water supply path 151 connecting the upper injection unit 124 with the connection path 155; and a lower water supply path 152 connecting the lower injection unit 125 with the connection path 155.

The upper injection unit 124 is rotatably coupled to the upper water supply path 151 and the lower injection unit 125 is rotatably coupled to the lower water supply path 152.

The driving unit 160 may include a body 160 a fixed in the cabinet 110; a partition wall 160 b partitioning off an internal space of the body 160 a into a pumping chamber (PC) and a heating chamber (HC); a communicating hole 164 provided in the partition wall 160 b and allowing the pumping chamber (PC) to communicate with the heating chamber (HC); an inlet connecting the sump 130 with the heating chamber (HC); an outlet 169 connecting the pumping chamber (PC) with the connection path 155; an impeller 168 provided in the pumping chamber (PC); and a heater assembly 180 provided in a bottom surface of the heating chamber (HC).

As shown in FIG. 2, the body 160 a is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open top and an open bottom. A cover 162 is provided in the open top 161 provided in a top of the body 160 a (in other words, a top surface of the pumping chamber (PC)). The heater assembly 180 is detachably coupled to the open bottom 163 (in other words, a bottom surface of the heating chamber (HC)).

The heater assembly 180 is provided in the lowermost part of the driving unit 160 and defines the bottom surface of the heating chamber (HC), so that the heating chamber (HC) can perform the wash water heating function and the wash water circulation function simultaneously. In addition, the heater assembly 180 is detachable out of the driving unit 160 from the body 160 a.

The impeller 168 serves as the means for moving the wash water supplied to the pumping chamber (PC) from the heating chamber (HC) toward the outlet 169 and is rotatable by a motor provided in an outer surface of the body 160 a. In this instance, the motor 170 may be fixed to the cover 162 and a shaft 171 of the motor is directly connected to the impeller 168 through the cover 162.

As shown in FIG. 3, the heater assembly 180 may include a housing 181 defining a bottom surface of the heating chamber (HC); and a heater 182 provided in the outer surface of the heating chamber (HC) and heating the housing 181. Accordingly, the heater 182, the housing 181, the pumping chamber (PC) and the heating chamber (HC) may be sequentially disposed according along the height of the body 160 a, only to form mutual vertical arrangement.

Meanwhile, to transfer the thermal energy supplied by the heater 182 to the wash water held in the heating chamber (HC), it is preferred that the housing 181 is made of a conductor such as metal.

The housing 181 may include an accommodating groove 183 for locating the heater 182 outside the heating chamber (HC); and a securing portion 184 securing the housing 191 to the body 160 a. The accommodating groove 183 may be provided in a predetermined shape capable of maximizing the surface area of the housing 181 heat-exchanging with the wash water. FIG. 3 illustrates one example of the accommodating groove 183 projected toward the internal space of the heating chamber (HC).

A heater cover 185 may be further provided and fixed to the housing 181 to prevent the heater 182 inserted in the accommodating groove 183 from becoming exposed outside the accommodating groove 183. The heater cover 185 serves the means for shutting off the wash water or foreign substances permeating into the heater 182 as well as preventing internal components of the dishwasher near the driving unit 160 from directly contacting with the heater 182.

The heater 182 may include a heater body 160 a generating the thermal energy once provided with electric currents; and first and second terminals supplying electric currents to the heater body 160 a. The first terminal and the second terminal may be exposed outside the accommodating groove 183 and the heater body 160 a may not be exposed outside the accommodating groove 183 by the heater cover 185.

The housing 181 defines the bottom surface of the heating chamber (HC) in the heater assembly 180 having the structure mentioned above. Accordingly, the heater assembly 180 may supply warm water (in other words, heated wash water) to the injection unit 12, 125 and 126, when the impeller 168 is rotated during the operation of the heater 182 (in other words, while the heater 182 is being operated).

The heating chamber (HC) is located in the lowermost portion of the path for circulating and moving wash water and the housing 181 heated by the heater 182 defines the bottom surface of the heating chamber (HC), so that wash water can always collects in the heating chamber (HC). Accordingly, the overheat of the heater 182 may be prevented without adjusting a water level additionally and the amount of the wash water which has to be supplied for steam or warm water may be minimized.

The heater assembly 180 is provided in the bottom surface of the heating chamber (HC) and the driving unit 160 mentioned above may perform a function as a steam generator, when only the heater 182 is operated after the predetermined amount of wash water is supplied to the heating chamber (HC). To perform the function for generating steam, the driving unit 160 has to include a steam outlet hole 166 for exhausting the steam generated in the heating chamber (HC) outside.

As shown in FIG. 1, the steam outlet hole 166 may be in communication with the washing tub 120 via a steam supply unit 140. The steam supply unit 140 may include a steam nozzle 141 fixed to the washing tub 120; and a steam supply pipe 142 connecting the steam nozzle 141 and the steam outlet hole 166 with each other. The steam outlet hole 166 may be lower than the partition wall 160 b and higher than the inlet 165.

Meanwhile, when the steam outlet hole 166 is provided in the heating chamber (HC), a steam valve 143 has to be further provided in at least one of the steam outlet hole 166 and the steam supply pipe 143 to prevent external air from coming into the heating chamber (HC).

The driving unit 160 having the structure mentioned above may be driven to supply the steam inside the heating chamber (HC) to the washing tub 120 via the steam supply pipe 142. As an alternative example, the steam may be supplied to the washing tub 120 via the injection unit 124, 125 and 126 and the collecting hole 136.

Hereinafter, the operation of the dishwasher in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described, referring to the accompanying drawings. Each of components which will be described may be understood in reference to the description made above and the drawings.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the dishwasher in accordance with the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 5, the user puts one or more dishes in the storage units 121, 122 and 123 of the dishwasher and then starts a washing process by selecting a dishwashing button (not shown). Meanwhile, once the dishwasher 100 is put into operation, a water supply step (S110) starts to start water supply to the driving unit 160 of the washing tub 120. Once the water supply step (S110) is complete, a preliminary washing step (S120) starts to soak food scraps stained on the dishes.

Once the preliminary washing step (S120) is complete, a main washing step (S130) starts to inject the wash water mixed with detergent so as to remove the food scraps or contaminants from the dishes. Hence, the main washing step (S130) is complete and then a rinsing step (S140) starts. Once the rinsing step (S140) is complete, a drying step (S150) for drying the washed dishes starts and then the dishwashing process finishes.

Before the main washing step (S130) starts after the preliminary washing step (S120), a drainage step starts to collect and drain the wash water having injected during the preliminary washing step. The wash water is pumped by the driving unit 160 and injected into the washing tub 120 via the upper injection unit 124 and the lower injection unit 125. Such a wash water injecting process is repeatedly performed for a preset time period.

As an alternative example, a wash water injecting frequency is preset and the main washing step (S130) is performed until the preset injecting frequency. After the main washing step (S130), the rinsing step (S140) starts and the wash water supplied in the main washing step (S130) before the rinsing step (S140).

Meanwhile, the rinsing step (S140) finishes and a drying step (S150) for removing moisture from the dishes then starts. The drying step (S150) is implemented to supply hot air to the washing tub 120 and evaporate the moisture remaining on the dishes.

In this instance, the air changed into a state of a high temperature and humidity is exhausted outside the dishwasher 100 by a drying module (not shown).

when the dishwashing process mentioned above is repeated for a preset time period or at preset frequency, the washing tub 120 defining a washing space in which dishes are washed, the storage units 121, 122 and 123 in which the dishes are loaded and the injection units 124, 125 and 126 injecting wash water to the dishes is likely to become contaminated by food craps or contaminants separated from the dishes. A cleaning step needs to be provided to wash the washing tub 120 and the storage units 121, 122 and 123 and the injection units 124, 125 and 126 after the overall washing process for washing dishes is performed for a preset time period or at a preset frequency.

Accordingly, the controller 190 stores a new count in cumulative counts once the dishwashing process is complete and displays to the user that a cleaning step needs to be performed via a cleaning alarm lamp 115 a of the display unit 115.

Next, a cleaning sensing step will be described in detail, referring to the accompanying drawing.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a clean timing sensing step of the dishwasher.

As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 190 stores a new count of the counter unit 192 in the cumulative counts, when the rinsing step is complete in the dishwashing process including the water supply step (S110), the preliminary washing step (S120), the main washing step (S130), the rinsing step (S140) and the drying step (S150).

Meanwhile, the controller compares the cumulative counts with a preset count of the counter unit 192 and determines a difference (S220). Unless the cumulative counts reach the preset counts, the controller 190 performs the dishwashing process and adds the rinsing step (S140) to the cumulative counts. When the cumulative counts reach the preset counts, the controller 190 turns on the cleaning alarm lamp to notice to the user that a cleaning step for the dishwasher is needed (S230).

The controller 190 determines whether the cleaning step is performed for the dishwasher by the user (S240). In case the user selects to perform the cleaning step of the dishwasher 100 via the cleaning button 114 a of the dishwasher 100, the controller 190 initializes the counts of the counter unit 192 (S250) and notifies the user that the cleaning step is performed by turning off the cleaning alarm lamp of the display unit (S260).

The controller 190 consistently senses the cleaning sensing step mentioned above according to the user's setting and stored the cumulative counts. When the cumulative counts reach the present counts, the controller 190 may notify the user of that repeatedly.

Considering initial installation of the dishwasher 100, the controller store cumulative counts after the initial installation of the dishwasher and cumulative counts after performing an initial cleaning step differently. In other words, in the initial installation of the dishwasher, the internal space of the dishwasher is relatively clean and the cumulative counts for the first cleaning are more than the cumulative counts after performing the first-time cleaning step.

For example, when cumulative counts for cleaning the dishwasher 100 are set as thirty cumulative counts of the rinsing step (S140), the counts accumulates from 1 to 59 in the initial installation of the dishwasher and the first-time cleaning of the dishwasher 100 may be displayed by using the cleaning alarm lamp 115 a at 60 cumulative counts.

Once the cleaning of the dishwasher is complete by the user, the cumulative counts of the counter unit are initialized as 30 counts and counts are cumulative from 30 counts. The cleaning of the dishwasher 100 may be repeatedly displayed via the clean arm lamp 115 a at 60 counts.

The cumulative counts of the counter unit 192 mentioned above and the preset counts may be set different according to the first-time setting and not limited.

Next, referring to the accompanying drawings, the cleaning step of the dishwasher performed according to the user's manipulation will be described in detail.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the cleaning step of the dishwasher in accordance with the present disclosure.

As mentioned above, the user manipulates the cleaning button 114 a of the manipulation unit 114 according to the cleaning alarm of the cleaning sensing step. The controller 190 performs the cleaning step of the dishwasher. At this time, it is preferred that the user performs the cleaning step in a state where dishes are not loaded in the storage units 121, 122 and 123 of the dishwasher 100.

First of all, when the cleaning step of the dishwasher 100 is performed by the user's manipulation, the controller performs a water supply step for supplying water to the driving unit 160 of the washing tub 120 (S310). After the water supply step (S310), a preliminary cleaning step (S315) for soaking food scraps or contaminants remaining on the washing tub 120, the storage units 121, 122 and 123 and the injection units 124, 125 and 126.

The preliminary cleaning step (S315) supplies approximately 3 L of wash water and the top, upper and lower injection units 126, 121 and 122 are sequentially operated, to preliminarily cleaning the washing tub 120, the storage units 121, 122 and 123 and the injection units 124, 125 and 126.

Meanwhile, the top, upper and lower injection units 126, 121 and 122 are alternatively operated for a preset time period (approximately 420 seconds). The duration time of the top injection unit 126 is the longest and the duration time of the upper injection unit 124 is the second longest. The duration time of the lower injection unit 125 is the shortest.

Once the preliminary cleaning step (S315) is complete, a contaminant removing step (S320) starts for removing the foreign substances or contaminants separated in the preliminary cleaning step (S315) together the drained wash water. In the contaminant removing step (S320), approximately 1 L of wash water is supplied and circulated for a preset time period according to the operation of the driving unit 160, to be drained, without the operation of the injection units 124, 125 and 126.

After the preliminary cleaning step (S315), a steal heating step (S325) starts for soaking the food craps or contaminants stuck on the washing tub 120, the storage units 121, 122 and 123 and the injection units 124, 125 and 126 by using steam. In the steam heating step (S325), approximately 0.6 L of wash water is supplied to the driving unit 160. Steam is generated by the heater 182 in the heating chamber (HC) of the driving unit 160 and the steam is supplied to the washing tub 120 through the steam supply unit 140. The steam is supplied by the steam supply unit 140 for approximately 900 seconds and the wash water remaining after being used in generating the steam is drained.

After the steam heating step (S325), a main cleaning step (S330 and S335) starts. the main cleaning step (S330 and S335) includes a first main cleaning step (S330) for heating the wash water and using it in the cleaning; and a second main cleaning step (S335) for using only the top injection unit 126. In the first and second main cleaning step (S330 and S335), approximately 3 L of wash water is supplied without auxiliary drainage. The wash water is drained after the second main cleaning step (S335). Dishwashing detergent may be mixedly supplied together with the wash water in the first and second main cleaning steps (S330 and S335).

Meanwhile, in the first main cleaning step (S330), the wash water supplied to the heating chamber (HC) of the driving unit 160 is heated to approximately 50° C. by the heater 182 and the heated wash water is injected to the washing tub 120 and the storage units 121, 122 and 123 as the top, upper and lower injection units 126, 124 and 125 are sequentially operated.

The top injection unit 126, the upper injection unit 124 and the lower injection unit 125 are alternatively operated for a preset time period (approximately 840 seconds). The order from the longest duration time is the top injection unit 126, the upper injection unit 124 and the lower injection unit 124. As it is arranged highest, it is preferred that the top injection unit 126 has the longest duration time.

After the first main cleaning step (S330), the second main cleaning step (S335) starts. the second main cleaning step (S335) injects the wash water heated in the first main cleaning step (S330) via the top injection unit 126, without drainage of the wash water, so as to make food scraps or foreign substances remaining on the washing tub 120, the storage units 121, 122 and 123 and the injection units 124, 125 and 126 fall down. In other words, the top injection unit 126 is located highest out of the injection units, so that the food scraps or foreign substances can fall down, only using the top injection unit 126. The duration time of the top injection unit in the second main cleaning step is approximately 60 seconds.

Once the main cleaning step (S330 and S335) is complete, a rinsing step (S340, S345 and S350) starts. The rinsing step (S340, S345 and S350) includes a first rinsing step (S340) performed without heating of the wash water; a second rinsing step (S345) performed by heating the wash water; and a third rinsing step (S350) using only the top injection unit 126. The rinsing step (S340, S345 and S350) supplies approximately 6 L of wash water. In the first rinsing step (S340), approximately 3 L of wash water is supplied. In the second and third rinsing steps (S345 and S350), approximately 3 L of wash water is supplied and then drained.

In the first rinsing step (S340), the top injection unit 126, the upper injection unit 124 and the lower injection unit 125 are sequentially operated, to rinse the food scraps or contaminants remaining on the washing tub 120, the storage units 121, 122 and 123 and the injection units 124, 125 and 126 and drain the wash water.

Meanwhile, the top, upper and lower injection units 126, 124 and 125 are alternatively operated for a preset time period (approximately 420 seconds). The order of the duration time from the longest one is the top injection unit 126, the upper injection unit 124 and the lower injection unit 125. As arranged highest, the top injection unit 126 has the longest duration time.

In the second rinsing step (S345), approximately 3 L of wash water is supplied and the wash water supplied to the heating chamber of the driving unit 160 is heated approximately to 70° C. by the heater 182. The heated wash water is injected to the washing tub 120, the storage units 121, 122 and 123 and the injection units 124, 125 and 126 as the top, upper and lower injection units 124, 125 and 126 are sequentially operated.

The top, upper and lower injection units 126, 124 and 125 may be alternatively operated for a preset time period (approximately 1260 seconds). The order from the longest duration time is the top injection unit 126, the upper injection unit 124 and the lower injection unit 125. As arranged highest, the top injection unit 126 has the longest duration time.

The third rinsing step (S350) injects the wash water heated in the second rinsing step (S350) via the top injection unit 126 without drainage of the wash water supplied in the second rinsing unit (S345), so as to make contaminants or foreign substances fall down from the washing tub 120, the storage units 121, 122 and 123 and the injection unit 124, 125 and 126. In other words, the top injection unit 126 is arranged highest out of the injection units 126, 124 and 125, so that the food scraps or foreign substances can fall down, only using the top injection unit 126. The duration time of the top injection unit is approximately 60 seconds in the third rinsing step (S350).

Meanwhile, as the rinsing step (S240, S235 and S350) is complete, a drying step (S355) starts for removing the wash water remaining in the washing tub 120, the storage units 121, 122 and 123 and the injection units 124, 125 and 126. The drying step (S355) supplies hot air to the washing tub 120 and evaporates the moisture contained on the dishes. The hot humid air is exhausted outside the dishwasher 100 by the drying module 116.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the dishwasher may wash and clean the washing space and the internal structures after used for a preset time period or at preset frequency. Accordingly, the washing space and the internal structures of the washing space can be kept clean.

The foregoing embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to be considered as limiting the present disclosure. The present teachings can be readily applied to other types of methods and apparatuses. This description is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods, and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternative exemplary embodiments. As the present features may be embodied in several forms without departing from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be considered broadly within its scope as defined in the appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metes and bounds, are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A controlling method of a dishwasher, the dishwasher comprising a washing tub in which one or more dishes are loaded to be washed; a storage unit, within the washing tub, in which the dishes are loaded; an injection unit injecting wash water onto the dishes; a sump provided in a lower portion of the washing tub; and a driving unit supplying and circulating the wash water stored in the sump to the injection unit, the controlling method for cleaning the washing space comprising: a water supply step of supplying wash water; a preliminary cleaning step of injecting the wash water to the storage unit without the dishes, the washing tub, and the injection unit to clean the storage unit, the washing tub, and the injection unit; a main cleaning step of injecting the wash water mixed with dishwashing detergent to the storage unit, the washing tub, and the injection unit; a rinsing step of rinsing the storage unit, the washing tub, and the injecting unit by injecting wash water; and a drying step of drying the storage unit, the washing tub, and the injection unit.
 2. The controlling method of claim 1, further comprising: a clean sensing step of counting the rinsing step, wherein the dishwasher performs a washing step, a rinsing step, and a drying step for washing the dishes.
 3. The controlling method of claim 2, wherein the clean sensing step comprises: a counting step of cumulatively counting the operation frequency of the rinsing step; a comparing step of comparing the cumulative counts with preset counts; and an alarm step of generating an alarm when the cumulative counts satisfy the preset counts.
 4. The controlling method of claim 3, wherein the alarm step turns on a clean alarm lamp of the dishwasher.
 5. The controlling method of claim 3, wherein the clean alarm lamp is turned off, when cleaning of the washing tub is complete after the alarm step.
 6. The controlling method of claim 1, further comprising: a contaminant removing step of supplying the wash water to the driving unit and draining the wash water without circulation of the wash water, after the preliminary cleaning step.
 7. The controlling method of claim 1, further comprising: a steam heating step of supplying steam into the washing tub and heating the washing tub, after the preliminary cleaning step.
 8. The controlling method of claim 1, wherein the injection unit comprises a top injection unit, an upper injection unit, and a lower injection unit, and the main cleaning step comprises: a first main cleaning step of heating and injecting the wash water; and a second main cleaning step of injecting the wash water using only the top injection unit.
 9. The controlling method of claim 8, wherein the rinsing step comprises: a first rinsing step of injecting the wash water; a second rinsing step of heating and injecting the wash water; and third rinsing step of injecting the wash water using only the top injection unit.
 10. The controlling method of claim 8, wherein the top injection unit, the upper injection unit, and the lower injection unit are sequentially operated at preset intervals.
 11. The controlling method of claim 8, wherein the order from the longest duration time to the shortest duration time is the top injection unit, the upper injection unit, and the lower injection unit.
 12. A dishwasher, comprising: a washing tub in which one or more dishes are loaded; a storage unit detachably provided in the washing tub for loading the dishes therein; an injection unit injecting wash water to the dishes; a sump provided in a lower portion of the washing tub; a driving unit supplying and circulating the wash water stored in the sump to the injection unit; a control panel allowing a user to manipulate and control a dishwashing course and washing state; and a controller comparing cumulative counts of washing and rinsing steps for the dishes with preset counts and indicating an alarm for a cleaning step of the washing space.
 13. The dishwasher of claim 12, the control panel comprises: a manipulation unit comprising a cleaning button for allowing the user to manipulate the washing and cleaning of the washing space.
 14. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the control panel comprises: a cleaning alarm lamp displaying activation and completion of the cleaning step.
 15. The dishwasher of claim 12, wherein the injection unit comprises: a top injection unit, an upper injection unit, and a lower injection unit, wherein the driving unit simultaneously or selectively supplies wash water to the top, upper, and lower injection units.
 16. The dishwasher of claim 14, wherein the driving unit comprises: a heating chamber supplied wash water from the sump and defining a predetermined space for heating the supplied wash water; a pumping chamber provided above the heating chamber and defining a predetermined space for pumping the wash water supplied to the heating chamber to the injection unit; and a heater assembly connected to a bottom surface of the heating chamber and forming the bottom of the heating chamber and the lowermost surface of the driving unit, the heater assembly comprising a heater heating the wash water stored in the heating chamber.
 17. The dishwasher of claim 16, wherein the heater heats the wash water flowing into the heating chamber and generates high-temperature wash water or steam. 